Stability Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An angular pad with frustoconical shape or angular platform to stabilize and support the user while allowing substantial mobility where it&#39;s desired. Distributing weight towards or away from the centerline of a user, thus providing comfort. The increased surface area and optimized bodily force vectors allow for safer performance of exercise, manual labor, or other physical activities. The angled surfaces allow the user substantial means of balance, coordination, focus, and resistance to fatigue. Angular portions of the above mentioned stability apparatus may include a predetermined or an adjustable angle, and may also include a means for attaching said stability apparatus to a barbell or other devise.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application having Ser. No. 62/436,982 filed Dec. 20, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments herein relate generally to fitness or manual labor based equipment, and more particularly, an apparatus for stabilizing the body. The apparatus can be used with a barbell or on a device as a direct user interface. It can be utilized for a plurality areas such as to standing on, leaning against, pushing against; anywhere you want better load distribution on the body. The apparatus either distributes loading away from or towards the user centerline, based on desired device and application.

Prior to embodiments of the disclosed invention certain exercises and other physical activities were uncomfortable, unstable, or both. Too much weight displacement in a small area leads to problems whether it's training your body with resistance, performing manual labor, or other types of physical activities. The body's ability to adhere and maintain ideal bio-mechanics, neuro efficiency, and optimized mobility are very crucial factors in physical and mental performance optimization.

Current devices do not properly stabilize and conform to properly support the body. Currently, you can acquire a more technologically advanced mattress than you can a piece of exercise equipment or utility platform for improving human performance. If support or resistance is un-naturally placed on the body, comfort, mental energy, endurance, and overall desired performance will suffer as a result.

As can be seen, there is a need for an apparatus which provides the user substantial bodily stabilization. In conjunction with optimized stability, the resulting, allowable force vectors in relation to your bodily bio mechanics will be much improved as well. Embodiments of the disclosed invention address these areas.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a pad with frustoconical shape includes a circular disc with an opening for receiving a bar. The circular disc is further connected to a plurality of structures such that wider base of the pad faces each other when attached to the bar at its end. Attaching pads to the barbell distributes weight away from the centerline of a user, thus providing comfort while using a barbell. The same characteristics included in a bench surface for leaning your body against improve weight distribution and bodily stability throughout increased surface area and optimized bodily force vectors. The same function can also be served with a platform designed to interface with a user while standing or otherwise positioned. Angled surfaces allow the user substantial means of balance, coordination, focus, and resistance to fatigue. Angular portions of the above mentioned stability apparatus may include a predetermined or an adjustable angle, and may also include a means for attaching said stability apparatus to a barbell or other devise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bar pad in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a hybrid bar pad version of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the bar pad of FIGS. 1 & 2 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an angular bench in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 5 is a front, side perspective view of the angular bench of FIG. 4 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the angular, curved block in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the angular, curved block of FIG. 6 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an inner angled foot platform in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an inner angled foot platform in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an inner angled foot platform in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an outer angled foot platform in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an outer angled foot platform in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of an outer angled foot platform in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

By way of example, and referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the subject technology comprises a bar pad 1. As will be appreciated, aspects of the bar pad 1 focus the point of resistance for resistance on barbell based exercises to the user, through angular based system of flat, curved, or irregular sections, unlike prior bar pads which place the resistance on the user through primarily perpendicular surfaces without any substantial load displacing portions. The bar pad 1 includes an angled portion 2 and a center portion 3. In an exemplary embodiment, the bar pad 1 includes a notch 4 to allow convenient access to a barbell. A displaced longitudinal center section 5 is cut into the bar pad 1 to create the required orifice for a barbell. A portion of the bar pad 1 may be comprised with a gap 6 to ensure less load displacement in critical areas. The bar pad 1 has inner facing angled portion 2 wherein load is vectored towards the center of the user accomplishing substantial barbell comfort and stability.

By way of example, and referring to FIGS. 4-7, an embodiment of the subject technology comprises an angular bench 7. As will be appreciated, aspects of the angular bench 7 focus the points of load displacement to the user, through angular based system of flat, curved, or irregular sections, unlike prior benches which place the resistance on the user through primarily perpendicular surfaces without any substantial load displacing portions. The angular bench 7 includes an angled portion 8 and a center portion 9. In an exemplary embodiment, the angular bench 7 includes a flat center portion 9 to allow user improved load displacement on the centerline of the body. Conversely, a flat center portion 9 is not completely necessary, and could be curved or angled based on application. An angular bench curve 10 is placed on one corner of FIG. 6 to ensure improved user contact, comfort, support, and mobility. In some embodiments height adjustments are added to accommodate different applications and bodily proportions. The angular bench 7 has inner facing angled portions 8 wherein load is be vectored towards the center of the user accomplishing substantial users comfort, stability, security, and overall performance potential.

By way of example, and referring to FIGS. 8-10, an embodiment of the subject technology comprises an angular platform 11. As will be appreciated, aspects of the angular platform 11 focus the points of load displacement to the user, through a generally angled based system of flat, curved, or irregular sections, unlike prior platforms which place the resistance on the user through primarily perpendicular surfaces without any substantial load diversification portions. The angular platform 11 includes an angled portion 12 and a center portion 13 where the angles converge immediately or through a flat, curved, or irregular surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the angular platform 11 includes an inner facing angled portion 12 to allow user improved stability when the user is standing on this portion of the angular platform 11. The opposing inner angled portions 12 are substantial for enhancing bio mechanical stability when the users knees are locked, as they are in the anatomical standing position or are nearly lock. A condensed center portion 15 may be added to incorporate a surface for a smaller footprint application or single limb stability through a condensed series of angular or curved surfaces. Is not completely necessary to be strictly angled, and may be curved or irregularly angled based on desired application. The condensed center portion 15 may also be used as a stand alone item, as the angular platform 11 may be too bulky for certain applications. A curved or angled portion 16 is placed on the forward edge of the angular platform 11 as well as two or three sides of the condensed center portion 15; this is to ensure improved user contact, comfort, support, and stability. In some embodiments height adjustments are added to accommodate different applications and bodily proportions. The angular platform has inner facing angled portions 12 wherein load is be vectored towards the center of the user accomplishing substantial users comfort, stability, security, and overall performance potential.

By way of example, and referring to FIGS. 11-13, an embodiment of the subject technology comprises an angular platform 11. As will be appreciated, aspects of the angular platform 11 focus the points of load displacement to the user, through a generally angled based system of flat, curved, or irregular sections, unlike prior platforms which place the resistance on the user through primarily perpendicular surfaces without any substantial load diversification portions. The angular platform 11 includes an angled portion 12 and a center portion 13 where the angles converge immediately or through a flat, curved, or irregular surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the angular platform 11 includes an outer angled portion 14 to allow user improved stability when the user is standing on this portion of the angular platform 11 with knees in a flexed position. The outer facing angled portions 12 are substantial for enhancing bio mechanical stability when the users knees flexed, such as in a squatting position. Is not completely necessary to be strictly angled, and may be curved or irregularly angled based on desired application. A curved or angled portion 16 is placed on the forward edge of the angular platform 11, this is to ensure improved user contact, comfort, support, and stability. In some embodiments height adjustments are added to accommodate different applications and bodily proportions. The angular platform has outer facing angled portions 12 wherein load is be vectored outward from the centerline of the user accomplishing substantial users comfort, stability and mobility, security, and overall performance potential.

By way of example, and referring to FIGS. 1-13, an embodiment of the subject technology comprises a recording sensor or may comprise a multitude of recording sensors to provide means of data collection, interactive feedback, and other advanced electronic potentials. In some embodiments the stability apparatus may be treated and/or coated to provide a high friction surface, along with brackets or straps to allow safer use in various situations and environments. In some embodiments, the stability apparatus may be constructed of a single piece of material or a plurality of pieces. The stability apparatus may be made from a single material type or a plurality in so gaining the desired load distribution, comfort, and stability inducing effects.

As will be appreciated, the above stability apparatus opens up user potential through allowing direction of substantial increases in neuro energy to the involved major muscle groups; through proper stabilization, mobility, and decreased pain perception of the user. In addition, the stability apparatus may also allow users to safely and efficiently perform leg and upper body movements. This is due to the natural feeling of forces in stabilization stimulating proprioception of the associated musculature, which then provides the user improved joint and neurological support to better complete desired task.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations many be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the shape of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A angular pad for providing comfort during exercising with a bar, comprising: a circular disc, configured to receive end of the bar; and a plurality of structures, connected to the circular disc, wherein connecting the circular disc with the rest of the structure form a frustoconical shape with a wider base of the pads facing each other when attached to ends of the bar, whereby the said pad configuration supports substantial means for said users comfort, stability and mobility, security, and overall performance potential.
 2. An angular bench for displacing load on the user, comprising: a bench configuration to encompass a portion of the users body; and an inward facing set of angular portions including a predetermined or adjustable angle, wherein said angular bench configuration supports said users body through said inward facing set of angular portions, whereby the said bench configuration supports substantial means for said users comfort, stability and mobility, security, and overall performance potential.
 3. An angular platform for focusing load to or from the user centerline, comprising: a platform configuration to encompass a portion of the users body; and an inward or opposing set of angular portions including a predetermined or adjustable angle, wherein said angular platform configuration supports said users body through said inward or opposing set of angular portions, whereby the said angular platform configuration supports substantial means for said users comfort, stability and mobility, security, and overall performance potential.
 4. An angular platform for focusing load to or from the user centerline, comprising: a platform configuration to encompass a portion of the users body; and an inward or opposing set of angular portions including a predetermined or adjustable angle, wherein one or a plurality of attachment points or resistance based devices are configured into said angular platform to supply load to the user, wherein proximity of said attachment points is such that multiple said attachment points may be utilized in concert if desired, whereby said angular platform may provide said user with an plurality of bodily loading options.
 5. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional angular based system of flat, curved, or irregular sections.
 6. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a portion configured to adjust or conform to secure the users foot, limb, or torso.
 7. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a configuration including a leg harness support member.
 8. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a configuration is setup to fit any type of leg or foot, to suit a multitude of work environments.
 9. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of support members for load distribution.
 10. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a multitude of materials or hardware types utilized in construction for means of assembly.
 11. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the construction of the harness is of one type of material or constructed from a plurality of material types.
 12. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a multitude of material thickness and density are used in construction.
 13. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a configuration containing a multitude of attachment point mechanisms and locations for various load bias potentials.
 14. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a configuration with substantially high friction surface or surfaces, securing brackets or straps to allow use in various situations and environments.
 15. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a single pivot point or a multitude of pivot points for means of articulation or adjustment.
 16. The apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor or plurality of sensors. 